Residents call for protective action after another two koalas killed on Appin Rd, one baby missing

Environmental activists have called for urgent action to be taken to protect Macarthur’s koalas, after two more deaths on Appin Rd and several sightings in only a few days.

Alexis the koala died in Campbelltown last year. Residents want to see more protective measures put in place to protect the koala population.

Environmental activists have called for urgent action to be taken to protect Macarthur’s koalas, after two more deaths on Appin Rd and several sightings in only a few days.

Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown founder Ricardo Lonza said he was growing increasingly concerned for the future of Campbelltown’s koalas.

Mr Lonza and fellow volunteers are also in the midst of a search for a baby koala, who was last seen shortly before its mother was hit and killed by a car earlier this week.

“We’ve had two sad losses on Appin Rd this week; one was a lactating female outside of the Shell service station at Rosemeadow,” he said.

“She was seen the day before with a joey on board, but he wasn’t at the crash site and there’s been no sign of him.

“Two koalas were also seen at Mt Gilead — one was hit by a car and the other is now missing, possibly injured.

“If this road is going to be widened we need protective measures in place to keep the koalas safe.”

The mother koala killed on Appin Rd near the service station. Her Joey is still missing. Picture: Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown

Mr Lonza’s plea was backed by Total Environment Centre director Jeff Angel, who said the area needs a combination of protective measures and more awareness.

“We’re taking a great interest in the greater macarthur koala population; it’s a very healthy population free from chlamydia and with a great opportunity to expand,” he said.

“The primary objective of this area should be protecting the current habitat and expanding it because it’s such a healthy and important population.

“We are trying to impress on government to press pause on the bulldozers of future development.

“We have to eliminate the ongoing deaths, koala managements plans need to put strong provisions in place, but nothing will be achieved without the awareness of the people.”

A sign put up at Ruse Public School aims to increase community awareness. Picture: Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown

Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services koala co-ordinator Renee Faron said the issue needed to be taken seriously, and residents needed to expect koalas on and near roads, especially at Rosemeadow and St Helens Park.

“Rosemeadow and St Helens Park are big areas for koala movement; we know they cross here and there have been three deaths in the last week,” she said.

“It’s so important when looking at development to consider the wildlife and putting in methods to reduce motorist’s speed.

“There’s been too many deaths that are being ignored.

“Council and the RMS really need to take it seriously because there’s been too many deaths that are being ignored.

“The whole of Appin Rd needs to be addressed for both humans and animals and I’ll be pushing for signage and more public awareness, especially during breeding season.”

A koala spotted in a St Helens Park backward recently. Picture: Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown

The message was reiterated by Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren, who said value needed to be given to Macarthur’s vibrant koala population.

“We’ve got a very vibrant and special koala population,” he said.

“People are still hitting koalas so that tells us people need to be aware and take more care.

“I know Campbelltown is looking into protective measures for koalas and that’s great, but drivers also need to be more mindful and attentive, particularly at night.”

If you see an injured koala please call Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services on 9413 4300